"Laugh as much as you like," said Dick, stubbornly. "I ought to speak up for my own nephew."
"Your nephew!" exclaimed his two companions, in surprise. "What do you mean?"
"What I say. He's my sister's son."
"A minute ago you said you never saw him till yesterday," said the stout man, suspiciously.
"No more I did. My sister lives at the East."
"Has she sent him to you to be brought up in the way he should go?" asked Jack, with a sneer.
"No; the boy's run away. He came across me by chance."
"That's better," said Bill, partially reassured. "He won't be likely to betray you—not now—but he may inform against this place."
"I'll answer for him."
"Are you going to let him go as soon as he brings the money, or will he stay with you?"